Da Abbi Royal House Council of Chiefs has declared that the Royal House has not installed anyone as the Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom following a failed attempt by a group to establish an Amanyanabo of the Kingdom on Saturday.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, some Chiefs of the kingdom, Chief Amachree Flag Amakiri, Chief Akaodu Harrison, Chief Inye Cotton Kieni Amachree, and Chief (Barr.) O. T. Amachree condemned the action of some family members while asking the general public to resist the development.
Also, a communiqué issued by the Asari-Toru Community Development Coordinating Committee (CDCC) over the prevailing kingship tussle in the Kalabari Kingdom maintained that they stand on the side of peace.
The communiqué read, “We the body as mentioned above hereby declare our stand on the prevailing kingship tussle in the Kalabari Kingdom as regard to maintaining peace and promoting security as follows:
- Considering that Buguma city is the Headquarters of Asalga and the Traditional Headquarters of the Kalabari kingdom, her peace is paramount to us at CDCC.
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The fresh Kingship crisis that led to the destruction of the doors of King Amachree Memorial Hall and King Abbi Memorial Hall, all in Buguma City on 18th Sept 2021, is condemnable and capable of causing a security breach.
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We Condemn in its entirety the failed Kingship installation attempt that almost caused a breakdown of law and order on 18th Sept 2021.
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We advise the Chiefs and Youths of King Abbi Royal Family to show a good example of leadership and do only things that will promote peace, development and security at all times in Kalabari Kingdom.
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Our major concern is Development and Peace across the LGA and Kalabari Kingdom.
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Every contender for the position of Amanyanabo of Kalabari kingdom should abide by the lay down traditional process whenever the Seat is declared vacant by the King Abbi family or government authorities.
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We will only recognize and work with any King that emerge from the acceptable process by the Kalabari custom and tradition and the Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
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That any further breach of security and neglect to the of the Executive Chairman of Asari-Toru Hon. Onengeyeofori George, led administration will not be condoned rather will be seen as means to cause chaos for the government and such acts will be resisted by the government and the CDCC in other to maintain peace and order.
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We sue for calmness Among all Asalgan’s and warn crisis entrepreneurs to stay away from the Local Government Area.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Hon. Onengiyeofori George has directed that no activities should be held at the Buguma town square without the Council.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, John Paul Braide, he noted that henceforth, approval must be sought for the usage of the town square irrespective of the nature of the event, be it religious, cultural or political.
The Chairman gave this directive during a meeting with Chiefs of Da Abbi Royal House, youth and women leaders, following the failed attempt to install an Amanyanabo on Saturday by a faction of the family, who forcefully gained access to the already closed Royal Halls.
He commended the Council for maintaining peace in the community despite the actions of some persons to cause trouble, noting that their peaceful disposition should be seen as great virtue for the respect and honour of the Da Amachree Dynasty and not as an act of weakness.
In his remarks, the National Vice President of Buguma Internal Affairs Society (BIAS) and former Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Lolo Ibieneye urged members of the Royal House to continue in the path of peace for the community’s interest to encourage residents to live productive lives.
Speaking on behalf of the Chiefs, Chief Inye Amachree said that there were due processes set out to precede the installation of the King of the Kingdom.
According to him, “We are no longer in the dark ages. Our history stares at us. From 1932 to date, if you are talking of the installation of the King of Kalabari Kingdom, it is not only by the words, ‘I am a Prince’.
“We only have princely Chiefs who were paramount rulers and head of houses before they emerged as Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom. You cannot become the Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom only by being a Prince. No! Since 1932 it is reserved only for princely Chiefs”.
Da Abbi Royal House Council of Chiefs also converged at the palace of His Majesty, King Prof. T.J.T. Princewill, to register their displeasure over the incident on Saturday, as they resolved to work together as one indivisible family to protect the stool of their father.
Consequently, they cautioned members and Chiefs outside of Da Abbi Royal House to steer clear of the stool of the Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom.
